All front numbers have been updated in the uniform models. That includes the standard Style Guide by Years pages, all of the Special Occasion days, and the Retired Numbers section. Take a look at the picture of all the numbers drawn, and keep reading to find out what we learned.
Earlier this month I noticed our uniform models had the wrong numbers on the front of the jersey. We blindly and incorrectly assumed the number set was the same numbers on the front and back of the uniform. But after comparing numerous photographs of uniforms ranging back to 1999, I found the numbers on the back of the uniform are the “authentic numbers” we had been using for all front numbers. But in comparing the photography, we saw the front numbers are rendered on the uniforms completely different than the back numbers. They’re shorter, have different weights, and different outline weights. So we compiled a lot more photographs, redrew all the front numbers, and made the change to any and all uniform models here on the site that date from 1999 through 2023.
1998 and 1997 had no front numbers. So I stopped there. Then a few days later I got curious if the pre-1997 numbers matched the “authentic” numbers we had been using. They did not match. So I compiled a lot more photographs, started drawing more numbers, and ended up making changes to all uniform front numbers dating back to 1962.
We found the front numbers were typically altered during era changes or major uniform changes. 1962 through 1965 was the first time the team wore front numbers. Then a new uniform logo in 1966 brought a number change that lasted until 1970. The polyester pajamas in 1971 got skinnier and larger numbers that lasted all the way through 1996. But right in the middle of that era, 1979 and 1980 saw the front numbers move to the sleeves, and of course they were different than the front numbers before and after them. And that brings us back to 1999 where it changed again.
Why are there so many different number sets? We really don’t know. More than likely this has to do with different uniform manufacturers over the years and new uniform designs throughout different eras. The one number set that crossed over generations is the 1971-1996 numbers. It lasted nearly the entirety of the polyester pajama uniforms, with the exception of 1979 and 1980, and made its way onto the refreshed traditional baseball jerseys in 1992 up until 1996. Which, mentioning the 92-96 jerseys, the numbers were applied absurdly large to the point where wide double numbers broke over the center placket. Luckily they made a decent fix when numbers returned in 1999.
And while we’re fairly content with how the front numbers look in 21st century, we’re still curious why and how do the front numbers not match the back numbers? MLB provides the team with official artwork that includes an official number set, and each team has their own numbers. The Cincinnati Reds have the sexy Victorian style letters and numbers, the Cubs have a rounded san serif set, the Red Sox have a sharp skinny angular set, and the Cardinals have a very traditional set of block numbers. The provided set of numbers is used on the back of the modern uniform, but not the front, and the front numbers are not provided in any official MLB art that is provided to the team as far as we know. Fun stuff, right?
This isn’t exclusive to the Cardinals by the way, I have noticed that the Blues have the same thing with their back numbers vs sleeve numbers. Take a look at these too.
Cardinals Uniforms & Logos 